Food producers worldwide are demonstrating not only the feasibility of feeding a burgeoning global population but also the capacity to heal and restore the natural world in the process. From the verdant landscapes of Africa to the rolling hills of New Zealand, and from the sprawling plains of the United States to the rice paddies of Asia, producers are confronting shared challenges like drought, erosion, and declining soil health with innovative and scalable solutions.
Through the adoption of regenerative production practices such as agroforestry, aquaculture, cover cropping, and no-till farming, these forward-thinking producers are leading the charge in transforming the food system from one that depletes resources to one that replenishes them.
At the heart of this transformative journey lie the hands of these producers, bolstered by supportive policies and funding mechanisms that recognize the pivotal role they play in shaping a nature-positive future.
Our partner, The Nature Conservancy, met producers worldwide who are protecting and restoring our lands. Amongst them: a forest cocoa initiative in Brazil contributing to the restoration of the Amazon region, stalwart farmers in New Zealand who have embarked on a tree-planting mission to combat erosion, a small-scale farmer in Kenya who has transformed her agricultural practices through rainwater collection and terracing, a progressive farmer in Northwest India at the forefront of the transition to no-burn agriculture to preserve soil health and safeguard water supplies for future generations – and many others.
The weight of climate change and biodiversity loss looms large, triggering anxiety and distress among young people worldwide. However, amidst the challenges, the optimism and ingenuity displayed by these producers offer a beacon of hope. Solutions to our planet’s most pressing crises exist within the global food system, promising to halt deforestation, enhance food security, and restore ecological balance.
Yet, to realize this vision, these producers require support, advocacy, and scaled-up solutions. It is imperative that we invest in their endeavours, amplify their voices, and accelerate the transition toward a food system that regenerates and restores our planet’s precious resources. Together, we can forge a future where humanity thrives in harmony with nature.
